Dr. John A. McArthur

Since 2009, Dr. McArthur has directed the undergraduate program in the James L. Knight School of Communication and was instrumental in developing the $5.75 million grant awarded to the school by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation in 2010. In 2013, he was invited to work with faculty university-wide as the director of online faculty services, a faculty development role promoting successful teaching and learning In online and hybrid environments.

Dr. McArthur’s research focuses on proxemics (the use of space) and information design with a particular interest in the ways that digital technology influences our interactions with spaces. His studies have applied information design theories to examine both built and digital spaces – urban settings, chat rooms, memorials, public art, classroom designs, and campus architecture. Some of his research also focuses on the relationships between spaces of learning, technology, and successful instructional practice.

Dr. McArthur has published in journals ranging from the Journal of Communication Inquiry, Communication Teacher, and the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, to the American Clearinghouse of Educational Facilities Journal, Assessment Update, and the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration. He has appeared in print, broadcast, and digital media many times in the Charlotte market as well as nationally on sites such as the national Social Media Club, CampusTechnology.com, and Entrepreneur Magazine. In addition, Dr. McArthur is the editor of the book community 2.0: at the intersection of digital media and information design.

At Queens, Dr. McArthur teaches courses in strategic message design such as public speaking and integrated strategic communication, and courses related to proxemics and information design. He is also an active member of the graduate faculty for the Master of Arts in Communication program, most recently advising the graduate capstone projects and masters theses.